Dr. Rivera will speak on "In search of understanding the implicit mind: My journey from the lab to the halls of congress"

Abstract: What is the nature of the implicit mind, when and why does it influence our evaluations of ourselves and others, and how does it shape inequities in society? These questions have driven my scholarship from my PhD days at UMass to my research lab at Rutgers University.  In my presentation, I will start by highlighting a cross-disciplinary empirical project that answers some of these questions about the implicit mind in the context of criminality.  Then, I will talk about how this and my broader work on implicit social cognition shaped my professional journey beyond the walls of my lab to reach communities and practitioners and most recently to policymakers in the United States Senate.  I will share lessons I learned as a Congressional Science and Technology Policy Fellow, where I focused on legislation, policy, and oversight at the intersection of bias and artificial intelligence. I also learned an unexpected lesson: social and behavioral scientists, natural scientists, engineers, and technologists have opportunities, and perhaps an obligation, to use their expertise to have a positive impact on society. I look forward to your questions and conversation.

We invite faculty, students, and staff to this lecture and discussion, over a light dinner. The event will take place *IN PERSON* at the Marriott Center, 11th floor in Campus Center, UMass Amherst.

All attendees *must be vaccinated* and must wear masks at all times, except when eating/drinking.  You are welcome to leave your mask on throughout the event and take your food to go!

Please complete this form to register.